What is Body Polishing and what are its benefits?

Body care is as important as facial skin care. Cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing should not be limited to the face as the body needs it too. The skin has pores all over it that get clogged with dirt, dust, etc. While cleansing removes the dirt from the skin's surface, some dirt and sweat get trapped in the pores. This can clog the pores, cause ingrown hair, whiteheads, blackheads etc. Exfoliating the body removes the dead skin cells, unclogs and deep cleans the pores of the body.

While body exfoliation works great for normal and oily skin, it can be a little too drying for dry skin. The sebaceous glands on dry skin produce little or no oil as compared to normal and oily skin, which is why the skin is dry and lacks moisture. Exfoliating makes it worse by drying out the skin further.

This is where body polishing oil comes in! It is a way of exfoliating the body while using products that have moisturizing properties so that the exfoliation does not end up making the skin drier. Body polishing may be done using body polishing scrubs, body scrubs, body polisher and body polishing oil. Body oil massage benefits the skin by destressing the body and deeply moisturizing it. Needless to say, body polishing oils are more moisturizing than body polishing scrubs as they are formulated with a larger concentration of oils. Body Polishing oil exfoliates the body while providing the benefits of oil massage on the body. These oils, which are popularly known as body polishing oils, ensure that exfoliation happens while keeping the skin moisturized. Intrigued? Read on!

What is Body Polishing?

Body polishing is the process of physically exfoliating the body, in which the exfoliants are mixed with a moisturizing agent like an oil or a cream. It gets rid of dead skin and stimulates the regeneration of cells while moisturizing the skin. Physical exfoliation of the skin can be particularly harsh for people with dry skin as their skin lacks moisture.  Body polishing is a boon for dry skin as it gets rid of the dead skin, and unclogs and deep cleans the pores without drying out the skin. Body polishing is done at body massage spas and it is a rather expensive process. However, there are various body polisher or body polishing oils available in the market so you can do it in the comfort of your home as well and create a spa-like feel at home and can get amazing benefits of oil massage.

The Benefits of Body Polishing oil massage

• There are various benefits of Body Polisher that makes your skin softer and smoother. Lets see what are they:
• Body polishing is done through body massage oils. It exfoliates the skin, and removes the dead skin cells, leaving the skin fresh.
• The removal of dead skin cells helps treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots, as the production of collagen is boosted due to cell regeneration.
• Body Polishing Oil unclogs the pores and deep cleans them, leaving the skin refreshed and rejuvenated.
• Body polishing involves oil massage by the use of deeply moisturizing oils. It leaves the skin soft and smooth.
• The removal of the top layer and then the new formation of the skin keeps the skin looking young and glowing.
• Physical exfoliation through body polishing promotes cell regeneration by removing dead skin cells and enhancing blood circulation.
• Body polishing or Body Polisher also helps in removing and preventing ingrown hair as regular exfoliation keeps the baby hair from getting trapped in the epidermis of the skin

How is Body Polishing Different from a Body Scrub?

The difference between Body Polisher & Body Scrub:

The physical exfoliating properties of both body scrubs and body polishing often confuse people to think that they are both the same. Sure, on the outside it seems like they are both the same, but they are rather different.

Body scrubs are mostly formulated as creams or powders. They may have a liquid consistency as well, but their prime functions include cleansing and exfoliating the skin. So, when you scrub your body, you cleanse your skin as well as exfoliate it. Body scrubs are mostly used for physical exfoliation as they contain physical particles that help remove dead skin. While physical exfoliation is discouraged for facial skin by both dermatologists and skincare gurus alike, as the facial skin is rather thin, it is considered safe for the skin. However, it is likely to leave the skin dry from the exfoliation and moisturization is advised after scrubbing the body.

Body polishing is done on cleansed skin. It also involves physical exfoliation but it deep cleans the pores and moisturizes the skin along with it. It Body Polisher is suitable for dry and dehydrated skin as it exfoliates the skin without drying it out. 

Body Polishing at Home

Body polishing is a rather expensive procedure at the spa. Doing it in the comfort of your home is relaxing, invigorating and most importantly, easy on the pockets. All you have to do is take any oil that suits your skin. Choose deeply nourishing oils like coconut oil for dry and dehydrated skin and lighter oils like olive oil or rosemary oil for oily skin (that will give amazing benefits of oil massage on body)

Then, add an exfoliant of your choice. It can be anything, like coffee powder, sugar, gram flour, salt, etc. Mix the oil and the exfoliants and you have your own body polishing oil! People with severely dry skin can also add other moisturizing ingredients like honey, cream, ghee etc. to this DIY body polisher that will make the skin glow.

After cleansing your skin with a soap/body wash/cleanser of your choice or you can also go for Blue Nectar Niraa Madagascar Vanilla Body wash and Scrub with Honey that has the goodness of 10 ayurvedic herbs, that nourish your skin and also provide long lasting freshness. (with hot water, preferably), or apply your DIY body polisher all over your body and scrub off the dead skin for gentle exfoliation. Moisturize later if needed.

Best Body Polishing Oils

Although there are multiple options available, when it comes to picking an oil for body polishing, these are the options that stand out and gives numerous body oil massage benefits. You can take any of these oil in a bowl and add some salt/sugar/any other natural physical exfoliant to it and use it as a Body Polishing oils or body polisher.

1. Raw Coffee Body Polishing Oil- This is infused with pure Arabica coffee and it reduce cellulite and stretch marks. It also helps to soften the skin.

Key Ingredients

• Coffee- Exfoliates the skin, reduces cellulite and smoothens the skin.
• Vitamin E- moisturizes the skin.
• Rosehip- Smoothens the skin by lightening the stretch marks and makes it look even.
• Sweet Almond Oil- Moisturizes dry skin very well and keeps away the signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros

• 100% vegan
• Cruelty free
• Dermatologically tested
• Free of silicones, parabens and mineral oil.

Cons

• Not suitable for oily skin.
• Not suitable for summer.

2. Blue Nectar Body Massage Oil for Body Polishing- Enriched with Manjistha, Almond and Lavender oil. Body Massage oil for body polishing helps in improving the appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy, uneven skin tone and cracked heels.

Key Ingredients

•  Manjistha oil- It is the most versatile herb that helps in improving complexion & lighten dark spots.
• Almond oil- It helps in the signs of aging and is enriched with Vitamin A, C & E which improves complexion and helps to reduce the scars and stretch marks.
• Lavender oil- It helps in rejuvenating and toning the skin.
• Jasmine- It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that keep the skin . The fragrance calms and soothes the skin.
• Ashwagandha- It delays skin ageing and helps to destress the body.
• Sesame Oil- Rich in vitamins B and E, it helps fade scars and treat redness, inflammation, rashes, etc.

• 100% ayurvedic
• Cruelty free
• Free of parabens and silicones

3.  Body Polishing Oil with almond oil, walnut oil and jojoba oil, this body polishing oil moisturizes the skin and gives it an even tone, it is best for dry skin

Key Ingredients

• Walnut oil- It deeply moisturize the skin and make it more soft
• Almond- It heals the damage on the skin
• Jojoba- It retains the elasticity of skin

Pros

• 100 % natural
• Free of silicones and parabens

Cons

• Not for oily skin

4. Cold Pressed Oil as Body Polishing Oil - The cold pressed oil moisturizes the skin and makes it glow.

Key Ingredients

• Cold Pressed oil with Sesame Seed Oil Base - Packed with antioxidants, this cold pressed oil deeply moisturizes the skin

Pros

•  100% natural
• Free of petrochemicals
• Free of parabens

 Cons

•  Very expensive

Precautions When Using Body Polishing Oils

• Use Body Polisher according to Skin Type- Always consider your skin type before choosing a body polishing oil.Using wrong products on the skin can do more harm than good.
• Body Polishing oil for Normal Skin- People blessed with normal skin may pretty much use any body polishing oil they want. However, you should avoid using Body Polisher that over moisturize your skin. This might lead to clogging of pores, ingrown hair, etc.
• Body Polishing oil for Oily Skin- Use products that offer light moisturization. Oily skin does not need a lot of moisturizer because the overactive oil glands keep the skin from getting dry and flaky. Avoid body polishing oils that claim to be deeply moisturizing or contain excessively heavy products like coconut oil, castor oil, shea butter, etc.
• Body Polishing oil for Dry Skin- Use products that contain deeply moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, coconut oil, etc. Body polishing oils that are intended for normal to oily skin might not work on your dry and dehydrated skin. Moisturize well after.
• Body Polishing oil for Sensitive Skin- Use products that are specifically meant for sensitive skin. Avoid products that contain fragrance. Perform a patch test before using any product (both stores bought or DIY). Discontinue use if irritation begins or persists.

1. Do Not Over Scrub

Body polishing oils contain physical exfoliants and should not be used more than twice a week. When used aggressively or more frequently than you should, they can cause microtears in the skin. This leaves the skin prone to irritation, acne, and other issues. It could also damage the skin barrier as over scrubbing could lead to removal of more than just dead skin cells and damage the skin before it has fully recovered.

Most body polishing oils contain salt or sugar as exfoliants. They can irritate the skin and interrupt healing when applied on open wounds.

3. Be Mindful of the Shelf Life of the Body Polishing Oil

Store bought body polishing oils mention the shelf life, meaning the time frame in which the product has to be used after opening it. DIY body polishing oils contain natural ingredients and can go bad much sooner than the store-bought products. You can either make a small batch or use it within a month.

4. Maintenance of DIY Body Polishing Oil 

If you take the DIY route, store the product you make in an airtight glass container and avoid touching it with bare hands to avoid bacterial infestation.

5. Beware of Accidents

Body polishers contain oil and washing them off makes the floor very slippery. Make sure to clean the floors well and be attentive so as to avoid slipping or other accidents.

How Long do the Effects Last of Body Polishing Oil?

Body polishing oils exfoliate the skin physically. The results typically last for a month. When overdone, it can be abrasive, so limit the procedure to once a month. You can use simple body scrubs weekly in between treatments. The same applies for body polishing treatments at home because those are not supervised by professionals.

To sum up, body polishing is a great treatment, both done in a spa as well as at home. It is most helpful for people with dry skin, but it is beneficial for all skin types. Body Polishing Oil gives your body the exfoliation it needs, without making it dry. It's a therapeutic procedure as it leaves you happy with velvet soft skin. It can be very useful even when it is done at home, while maintaining caution. It has various benefits apart from deep cleansing of pores and exfoliation and when done properly it can do wonders for your skin. Stick to it once a month and watch your skin glow!

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Shubhr Ayurvedic Body Massage Bio Oil for Stretch Marks, Oil for Scars, Aging & Wrinkled Skin

Balalakshadi Aromatic Sensuous Bath and Body Massage Oil